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The Tras-os-Montes region is the north eastern part of Portugal where the northern part of the region is known as the Terra Fria (cold land) due to its harsh winters where the extremes in winters and summers have led to the local quip to describe the climate "nine months of winter and three months of hell". The southern part of the region is known as Terra Quente (hot land) is much more Mediterranean in climate. It is one of the least well-known areas in Portugal and retains much of Portugal's traditions and charm. It is a beautiful part of the world with stunning mountains of the Montesinho Natural Park in the north and the lower hills dotted with regular rows of almond and olive trees that colour the landscape with their blossom in March and April.
Vidago is historically renowned as a thermal spa town. Today is a 9-hole golf course, the only one in the Minho region of Portugal.
Vidago lies twelve kilometres south west of Chaves and is another spa town renowned for its medicinal thermal springs.
The spa is now in the grounds of the Palace Hotel a colourful art-nouveau pavilion. Inside is a marble well sunk three meters into the ground where the famous mineral water was dispensed to the public. The stained glass of the windows and the marble were decorated with a mixture of Classical and Moorish styles.
The spa has now been incorporated into a new structure as a conference room?!
Nearby is the nine-hole Vidago Golf Course a par 33 course covering 2,449 metres - the only one in the Tras-os-Montes region.
It was designed by Scottish architect Mackenzie Ross who rebuilt the Turnberry course in Scotland after the Second World War. Vidago Golf Course was opened in 1936 and is part of the Termas de Vidago Park.
Pavilhao de Golfe, 5425 Vidago Telephone: 351 276 97 356. Fax: 351 276 973 59.
Around the town are some lovely walks through pine forests.
The Regional Tourism website for Alto Tamega and Barroso has all sorts of information on the region as well as some tours including Chaves, Montalegre, Boticas, Ribeira de Pena, Valpacos and Vila Poucar de Aguir.
The Regional Tourism office is in Chaves at: Avenida Tenente Valadim, 39-1 dt, 5400-588 Chaves. Tel: 351 276 340 660/1/2/3/4. Fax: 351 276 321 419. Email: rturismoatb@mail.telepac.pt
The area lends itself to all sorts of outdoor activities such as walking, climbing, horse-riding and watersports. Check the link right for more on outdoor activities in North Portugal.
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